A role for the creative arts in addressing public health challenges in China

Abstract

This chapter examines the role of the creative arts in addressing public health challenges in China, specifically their role in promoting health and preventing chronic disease. Participation in creative arts increases resilience, which in turn buffers risk factors by promoting self-esteem, confidence, and coping abilities, as well as family and social support. This is explored through a case study conducted in two areas in China. Evidence is presented that creative arts promote physical, psychological, and social health, and therefore have potentially wide application in primary healthcare and management of chronic disease, particularly in older adults and those people of low socio-economic status who have migrated from rural areas into the cities.